Ole Henriksen's house could be
seen in the distance. The sight of that house seemed to bring her to her
senses. Whatever could she have said? Had she promised anything? No, no,
nothing! And she said with averted eyes:
"That which has happened to-day--your having kissed me--I regret it; God
knows I do! I grieve over it--"
"Then pronounce the sentence!" he answered briskly.
"No, I cannot punish you, but I give you my hand in promise that I will
tell Ole if you ever dare do that again."
And she gave him her hand.
He took it, pressed it; he bent over it, and kissed it repeatedly,
defiantly, right below her own windows. Covered with confusion, she
finally succeeded in opening the door and escaping up the stairs.
V
Ole Henriksen received a telegram which hastened his departure for London.
For twenty-four hours he worked like a slave to get through--wrote and
arranged, called at the banks, instructed his clerks, gave orders to his
chief assistant, who was to be in charge during his absence. The Hull
steamer was loading; it was to sail in a couple of hours. Ole Henriksen
did not have any too much time.
Aagot went with him from place to place, sad and faithful.
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